Chester September 30th 1815
My Dear - Girl - my Louisa - - But stop perhaps I am presumptuous to use the word [underline] My; [/underline] Has not [underline] my [/underline] neglect forfeited all claim to that word? [underline] My fears [/underline] almost say yes - but [underline] my [/underline] conscience says no - [underline] My [/underline] imagination paints a thousand anxieties that [underline] my [/underline] neglect may have caused you - and [underline] my [/underline] fears almost startto [sic] me with the idea that you may have determined to forget me. But I must needs be done with the word [underline] my, [/underline] or I shall have nothing else in [underline] my [/underline] letter - And now I find I am making liberal use of as selfish a word, (to [—t] the pronoun I) – yes and I hope you will make as free use of it, until both of us can forget the same, in the more general, the more significant, and the more endearing term [underline] We [/underline] But to the point. When I began my letter, I intended, first to have made an apology for not writing before - And I have written over almost half a sheet, and no apology yet - so I think I will defer making it, until I see you - But rest assured I have a reason - I was at Middlebury at Commencement, where the girls told me, that they had lately heard from you
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And that you was well – This gave me Joy I will tell you the rest next winter – Since I last saw you I have been very busy in closing my concerns with [underline] Uncle Sam [/underline] which has taken me longer, much longer, than I calculated - this has somewhat deranged my other concerns; but perhaps it is for the best. I am now in hopes of soon closing all my concerns that call me abroad - In the meantime I have taken up my abode in this Town, (Chester) where I shall make my home until winter - I have many things to write you, but dare not until I have permission from you. Yes Louisa, I have grown so cowardly, that, I hardly dare write my wishes, which are many. And first I wish you health, and happiness, prosperity and cherefulness [sic] - and — and — - what do I [underline] not [/underline] wish you - . (I do not wish you the least imaginary evil, or trouble) - I wish to know how you have spent the past Summer; whether pleasantly or not. Whether you have had any other than imaginary troubles.
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Finally I wish to know every thing [sic] where in you are interested; for I assure you, since I last saw you there has not one day (I can almost say hour) gone by, without bringing to my mind the absent. The _____ the _____ Girl in Canto But perhaps you may ask, what signifies thinking, if the thoughts are not promulgated? This would be a hard question, and what can I answer? I have no answer [loss] [loss] but twice will think of one ag[loss] I see you- Here I will venture to ask one [loss] that is, if you [-i-n] to answer this [loss] you will notice the time it is in reaching you, and endeavour to have your letter reach this place, about the first of Novr: [sic] as I am going a short Journey and shall return about that time. - Now were I to write love and compliments to friends and acquaintance [J.C.?] it might only perplex you - I will therefore after wishing them and [underline] you [/underline] happiness + health Subscribe myself your friend. And ___ + ____ [J.C.?]
C.L. Rockwood
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[addressed to]
Chester Vt Sept 30 Paid 25 [-]
Miss Louisa Foot Canton N. York
